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Why is Everyone Scared of NS RedForce at BMIC 2026

Aditya Parsutkar
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Why is Everyone Scared of NS RedForce at BMIC 2026

NS RedForce has become one of the most feared teams heading into the BGMI International Cup (BMIC) 2026. Several professional players, analysts, and fans already consider the South Korean team the favourite to win the championship in Mumbai.

But what makes NS RedForce so dangerous? Is it their star-studded roster, their aggressive gameplay, or their incredible results throughout 2026?

The answer lies in their performances. NS RedForce has won four tournaments in 2026 and finished as runners-up at the PUBG Mobile World Cup. Their consistency and individual firepower make them one of the strongest contenders for BMIC 2026. However, the team was not always this dominant.

How NS RedForce Became One of the Best PUBG Mobile Teams in 2026

NS RedForce was not considered a major international threat in 2025. The team struggled to make a significant impact at some of the biggest tournaments, including BMIC 2025.

Things changed in January 2026 when several South Korean PUBG Mobile organisations made major roster changes. NS RedForce took advantage of the transfer window and signed Hyunbin and Soez from DRX, the BMIC 2025 champions.

Hyunbin was one of the biggest additions. He had won the MVP award at BMIC 2025 after securing 44 finishes in 18 matches. Soez was another experienced player who had helped DRX win the championship in Delhi. NS RedForce combined these two players with its existing lineup of XZY, TIZI, and DokC.

NS RedForce Roster for BMIC 2026

PlayerRoster status
HyunbinSigned from DRX
SoezSigned from DRX
XZYRetained
TIZIRetained
DokCRetained

The new roster looked strong on paper, but its tournament performances soon proved that it was much more than a collection of talented players.

Read More: Alan Walker Reportedly Set to Open BMIC 2026 in Mumbai on October 30

Four Titles and a World Cup Runner-Up Finish

NS RedForce started its impressive run by winning PUBG Mobile Pro Series (PMPS) 2026 Season 1. The team then won the PUBG Mobile Macau Invitational 2026, an S-tier international event, followed by the Korean Esports League 2026.

That meant three tournament victories in a row. However, the biggest test came at the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026, where NS RedForce faced some of the best teams in the world.

The South Korean squad finished second, missing the championship by just five points. It was also among the first teams to become Match Point Eligible under the Smash Rule. Although NS RedForce did not win the World Cup, its performance proved that the team could challenge the world’s strongest opponents.

After the World Cup, NS RedForce continued its winning run by claiming the PMPS 2026 Season 2 title.

NS RedForce’s Major Results in 2026

TournamentResult
PMPS 2026 Season 1Champions
PUBG Mobile Macau Invitational 2026Champions
Korean Esports League 2026Champions
PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026Runners-up
PMPS 2026 Season 2Champions

With four titles and a World Cup runner-up finish, NS RedForce enters BMIC 2026 with one of the strongest records among the participating teams.

NS RedForce Defeated DRX by 55 Points in Just 12 Matches

One of the biggest examples of NS RedForce’s dominance came during the PMPS 2026 Season 2 Grand Finals. The tournament featured 12 matches, and NS RedForce collected an impressive 164 points, averaging approximately 13.7 points per match. DRX, the defending BMIC champions, finished second with 109 points. That gave NS RedForce a massive 55-point lead over its closest competitor.

A 55-point winning margin across just 12 matches shows how consistently NS RedForce performed throughout the tournament. The team was not depending on one good match or a single Chicken Dinner. It was collecting points regularly and building a lead that its opponents could not overcome.

This result is particularly interesting because DRX is the organisation that Hyunbin and Soez represented during their BMIC 2025 championship victory. Now, both players are helping NS RedForce dominate the South Korean circuit.

Three Different MVPs Show Why NS RedForce Is So Dangerous

One of NS RedForce’s biggest strengths is that the team does not depend on a single superstar.

Three different players have won MVP awards across its major tournament victories in 2026.

TournamentMVP
PMPS 2026 Season 1Hyunbin
Korean Esports League 2026XZY
PMPS 2026 Season 2Soez

These individual awards highlight the depth of talent in the roster.

When a team depends heavily on one player, opponents can focus on stopping that particular player during fights.

However, NS RedForce has multiple players capable of delivering match-winning performances.

Hyunbin can take control of fights, XZY has already proved his individual ability, and Soez has also shown that he can lead the team through his performances.

This makes NS RedForce difficult to counter. Even if one player has a bad match, another can step up and contribute.

Aggressive Gameplay Combined With Consistency

NS RedForce is known for its strong fighting ability, but aggression alone does not explain its success. Scoring 164 points in 12 matches requires more than winning close-range fights.

Teams must also make good rotations, secure strong positions, survive difficult situations, and collect placement points. NS RedForce’s recent performances suggest that the roster has found a balance between aggressive gameplay and consistent point collection.

That combination is particularly important for BMIC 2026. Unlike tournaments using the Smash Rule, BMIC 2026 will be decided by the overall points table after 18 matches.

This means teams cannot depend on winning one decisive match to become champions. They must perform consistently throughout the Grand Finals. NS RedForce has already demonstrated that it can maintain a strong points average across multiple matches.

Hyunbin and Soez Have Already Won BMIC

Another advantage for NS RedForce is the experience of Hyunbin and Soez. Both players were part of the DRX roster that won BMIC 2025 in Delhi. They have already competed against Indian teams in this tournament and understand the pressure of playing at an international event.

Hyunbin also knows what it takes to perform individually on the BMIC stage, having won the MVP award last year. Now, the two former DRX players return to India with a stronger-looking NS RedForce roster and four tournament titles behind them. Their experience could be valuable when the team faces difficult situations during BMIC 2026.

Can Indian Teams Stop NS RedForce at BMIC 2026?

Despite its impressive record, NS RedForce is not unbeatable. The team came close to winning the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 but ultimately finished five points behind the champions.

That result shows that even one of the world’s strongest teams can be defeated.

At BMIC 2026, NS RedForce will face 15 opponents, including five other South Korean and Japanese teams from each country’s respective contingent and six representatives from India.

Among the major challengers are DRX, Dplus, iQOO Soul, Gladiators Esports, iQOO 8Bit, K9 Esports, Blitz Esports, and Team Outrage.

iQOO Soul enters the event after winning BMSD 2026, while Gladiators, 8Bit, K9, Blitz, and Outrage have also earned their places through the Indian competition.

Playing in front of the home crowd could provide additional motivation for the Indian teams.

However, defeating NS RedForce will require more than a few good matches. The South Korean squad has shown that it can recover from setbacks, win fights through different players, and maintain its position near the top of the standings. Indian teams will need to match that consistency across all 18 games.

Is NS RedForce the Favourite to Win BMIC 2026?

Based on its 2026 results, NS RedForce has a strong case for being the biggest favourite at BMIC 2026. Four tournament victories, a World Cup runner-up finish, three different MVP winners, and a 55-point victory over DRX are difficult achievements to ignore.

But past results do not guarantee another championship. NS RedForce will still need to prove itself against 15 other teams when BMIC 2026 takes place from October 30 to November 1 at the DOME, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium, Mumbai.

NS RedForce deserves the respect it has earned, but no team should consider it unbeatable.

For the Indian teams, the challenge is simple: respect the opponent, prepare for its strengths, and deliver results on the server. NS RedForce is coming to Mumbai with one of the strongest records in PUBG Mobile esports this year.

The question is no longer why everyone is scared of NS RedForce. It is whether any team can stop them from winning another trophy.

Five Years in Tier-One BGMI, GobliN Set for a Home-City Moment at BMIC 2026

Hoax
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Five Years in Tier-One BGMI, GobliN Set for a Home-City Moment at BMIC 2026

There is something special about a major tournament coming to a player’s home city.

For a player who has spent years travelling, competing and trying to stay ahead of the competition, playing in a familiar city can give an event a different kind of meaning. The crowd is different. The setting is familiar. And for the people watching in the stands, the player on stage is not just another name on the leaderboard.

That is the setting around Harsh “GobliN” Paudwal as BMIC 2026 approaches.

The iQOOSouL star player has been part of the Indian BGMI competitive scene for years. He has won major tournaments, collected individual awards, represented India internationally and experienced the pressure that comes with playing for one of the country’s best-known esports organisations.

Now, with BMIC bringing teams from India, Japan and South Korea to Mumbai from 30th October to 1st November, GobliN has another major tournament ahead of him.

This time, the stakes extend beyond India’s familiar rivalries. Team iQOOSouL will have to measure itself against some of the strongest teams from the wider PUBG Mobile competitive scene.

Five years at the top, and a career that has kept moving

GobliN’s journey did not begin with Team iQOOSouL.

GobliN competed with earlier teams before joining Team iNSANE in 2021. He joined Team iQOOSouL in March 2022, establishing himself as one of the players to watch in Indian mobile esports.

His career has not been a straight line with one organisation. He later played for Carnival Gaming and Likitha Esports before returning to Team iQOOSouL in May 2025. The changes are worth remembering because five years in the top tier do not necessarily mean five uninterrupted years with the same team.

What has remained consistent is his presence in the competitive scene.

In June 2022, Team iQOOSouL won the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) Season 1 title. GobliN was named the tournament’s MVP, marking one of the defining achievements of his early career.

That victory helped establish his reputation as a player who could make a difference. It also put him on the international stage, as Team iQOOSouL went on to represent India at the PUBG Mobile World Invitational (PMWI) 2022 in Riyadh.

For anyone who has followed BGMI esports since those early seasons, GobliN’s career is a reminder of how much the scene has grown. The players who once competed in a relatively young ecosystem have spent years building experience, adapting to roster changes and responding to higher expectations.

GobliN has been part of that story from close to the beginning of his time at the top.

The milestones that brought him here

GobliN’s career has already included several achievements that make BMIC 2026 more than another tournament on his calendar.

The BMPS 2022 title

Team iQOOSouL’s BMPS Season 1 victory was a major moment for the organisation and its players. GobliN won the MVP award, earning individual recognition alongside the team’s championship.

The tournament also helped Team iQOOSouL earn its place among the Indian teams that could compete internationally.

International experience at PMWI 2022

Representing India abroad gave GobliN experience beyond the domestic BGMI scene. PMWI brought together teams from different regions, each with its own style and competitive background.

That experience matters at BMIC, where Team iQOOSouL will face five Japanese teams and five South Korean teams alongside the other Indian representatives.

A return to Team iQOOSouL

GobliN returned to Team iQOOSouL in May 2025 after playing for other organisations.

For a player with an established history at the organisation, the reunion brought him back into a familiar setup. It also gave the team another experienced player as it worked through a new competitive season.

His current role is part of a team effort. Recent Team iQOOSouL lineups have featured captain Nakul “NakuL” Sharma, GobliN, Khush “Jokerr” Singh, Yash “LEGIT” Choudhary and Aaryaman “Thunder” Seth across the registered squad.

A major achievement in 2026

GobliN reached another milestone during the BGMI Showdown (BMSD) 2026 Grand Finals.

He became the first Indian player to record 1,000 finishes in official BGMI tournaments.

In BGMI, a finish refers to an elimination credited to a player. Reaching the 1,000 finish mark across official competitions reflects the volume of competitive play behind his career.

Team iQOOSouL also won BMSD 2026, finishing with 155 points and 103 eliminations across the Grand Finals. The result added another official title to its season.

These are meaningful achievements to carry into BMIC. They do not guarantee that GobliN will dominate the international field, but they give a clear picture of the experience he brings into the event.

BMIC 2026: A different test for Team iQOOSouL

Team iQOOSouL enters BMIC after winning BMSD 2026. That gives the Indian side strong domestic results behind it.

The international field, however, presents a different challenge.

South Korea’s Nongshim RedForce arrive after winning the Korean Esports League 2026 and finishing second at the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026. Japan’s Valor won PMJL Season 6 Phase 2, while REIGNITE and Versus also recorded strong domestic campaigns.

These are teams that have earned their places through their own regional competitions. Indian fans may not recognise every player, but the unfamiliar names should not be mistaken for inexperienced opposition.

For GobliN and Team iQOOSouL, BMIC will be a chance to test their domestic form against opponents they do not meet every week.

The team will need more than individual firepower. Its rotations, communication and ability to make decisions in the final circles will matter across the 18 matches in the tournament.

The competition will also provide a useful measure of where the current Indian teams stand against the wider Asian field.

What does Mumbai add to the story?

Mumbai is GobliN’s hime turf, which makes BMIC’s location a natural part of the story.

The tournament will take place at the Dome, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium, from 30th October to 1st November. It brings 16 teams together, with six Indian teams and five each from South Korea and Japan. The prize pool is ₹1 crore.

The setting makes this an opportunity for local supporters to see an international BGMI competition without travelling to another city or country.

For GobliN, the personal angle is simple enough, a familiar city, a major tournament and a chance to compete for another title in front of Indian fans.

It would be wrong to invent his feelings about playing in Mumbai or to claim that the location guarantees an advantage. A home crowd can add energy, but it also brings expectations. Players still have to perform once the match begins.

Genshin Impact 7.2 Release Date, Banners, Codes, and Mitya

Aritra Patra
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Genshin Impact 7.2 Release Date, Banners, Codes, and Mitya

Genshin Impact 7.2, titled Hour of Ruin, will release on November 4 with a new 5-star character, a new 4-star character, and a new Snezhnaya region. HoYoverse adds Mitya as a 5-star Electro Catalyst user and Valeriy as a 4-star Electro Sword user. The update also continues the Snezhnaya Archon Quest and opens Novokitezhgrad. The first phase banner includes a Furina rerun, and a new Natlan Chronicled Wish banner arrives as well.

This article covers the release date, livestream codes, banners, characters, story, region, and events.

Genshin Impact 7.2 Release Date and Features

Genshin Impact 7.2 launches on November 4, 2026. HoYoverse announced the date after its Version 7.2 livestream.

The update adds Mitya and Valeriy as playable characters. It also brings the next chapter of the Snezhnaya Archon Quest and a new area called Novokitezhgrad.

The sources do not confirm an exact maintenance time. Players should check the official Genshin Impact channels for the server schedule in their region.

Genshin Impact 7.2 Livestream Codes

HoYoverse released 3 redeem codes with the preview livestream. Each code gives 100 Primogems, plus a second reward.

CodeRewards
HourofRuin100 Primogems and 10 Mystic Enhancement Ore
ExpertMitya100 Primogems and 5 Hero’s Wit
PhotoTime100 Primogems and 50,000 Mora

Together, the codes give 300 Primogems.

Genshin Impact 7.2 Banners

The first phase banner features the debuts of Mitya and Valeriy, alongside a rerun for Furina. The second phase features reruns for Zibai and Linnea.

A new Natlan Chronicled Wish banner also arrives in Genshin Impact 7.2. It features Varesa, Chasca, Xilonen, Mualani, and Kinich, along with their signature weapons.

PhaseBanner
Phase 1Mitya, Valeriy, Furina rerun
Phase 2Zibai rerun, Linnea rerun
Chronicled WishVaresa, Chasca, Xilonen, Mualani, Kinich

Who Is Mitya in Genshin Impact?

Mitya is an optimistic scientist who defies the Heavenly Principles. He joins the roster as a 5-star Electro Catalyst user.

When Mitya is in the party, he converts the team’s Superconduct reactions into Stellar-Conduct reactions. This boosts the whole party’s Stellar-Conduct DMG while he builds up special energy.

Pressing his Elemental Skill releases that energy as periodic Stellar-Conduct DMG to nearby enemies. Holding the Skill consumes the energy for a rapid flurry of enhanced Charged Attacks. This lets him switch between off-field and on-field roles.

His Elemental Burst deals AoE Electro DMG and generates more special energy. In certain areas of Snezhnaya, his detection device also helps players find hidden paths. It unlocks a reward that can change his appearance.

Who Is Valeriy in Genshin Impact?

Valeriy is a 4-star Electro Sword user and a disciplined Major of the Armory Palace. He provides shields and boosts Electro DMG.

This makes him an easier option for Stellar-Conduct reaction teams. Players who do not pull Mitya can still use Valeriy in those teams.

Snezhnaya Archon Quest Brings the Seven Nations Together

In the Genshin Impact 7.2 Archon Quest, the energy fluctuations of the Nails of Retribution grow more violent. Mysterious pillars of light appear across Teyvat. They signal the start of the Holy Soil phenomenon, which puts each nation in severe crisis.

The Tsaritsa responds by calling a historic gathering in Snezhnaya. She summons representatives from all 7 nations to stop the coming catastrophe.

The Traveler joins the Archons Venti, Zhongli, Raiden Ei, and Mavuika. The Hydro Sovereign Neuvillette and other allies from across Teyvat also take part.

Completing the Archon Quest within the set period gives 560 Primogems and Character Ascension Materials for Mitya. The latest Secret Tsarist Assignments give extra rewards, including a Snezhnaya-themed Wind Glider.

New Region: Novokitezhgrad

The Archon Quest events open a new region in eastern Snezhnaya called Novokitezhgrad. It is Snezhnaya’s main producer of Kresnik Kristall. The city sits entirely underground and is encased in crystal. It contrasts sharply with the snow-covered world above.

Players can also travel east to Wingspan Peak. It hosts Old Kitezhgrad, the first city of Snezhnaya, founded by the Belyi Tsar.

Players will face the Holy Soil phenomenon released by Ronova. They use new Prime Ice Constructs and 2 elemental shotguns to clear contaminated Kresnik Kristall deposits.

New Meeting Point quests follow Danica on a secret cleanup job for the Tsaritsa. Another follows Mitya as he investigates the soil near Teplo Oasis. Their paths cross unexpectedly. A colossal creature from the ocean depths also waits in Novokitezhgrad.

Genshin Impact 7.2 Events

The main event is “The Grand Defense: Defy the Unjust Judgement.” It unites players with allies from Mondstadt to Snezhnaya against the Holy Soil phenomenon. Players rescue wounded soldiers, relay intel, and complete urgent assignments.

Rewards include Primogems and enhancement materials. Players can also invite a 4-star character of their choice to their party. They can unlock the event through the Version 7.2 Archon Quest or skip ahead with the Quick Start feature.

Alan Walker Reportedly Set to Open BMIC 2026 in Mumbai on October 30

Divyesh Moghe
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Alan Walker Reportedly Set to Open BMIC 2026 in Mumbai on October 30

Alan Walker is reportedly set to perform at the opening of BMIC 2026 on October 30 at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) Indoor Stadium in Mumbai. The claim is spreading online through esports fan pages and social media posts. KRAFTON India has not confirmed it, and TalkEsport has not independently verified the report.

If it’s true, the Norwegian DJ would kick off three days of BGMI action in which six Indian teams take on five from South Korea and five from Japan for a ₹1 crore prize pool.

What the Alan Walker BMIC 2026 Report Says

According to the posts, Alan Walker will open BMIC 2026 on Day 1, Friday, October 30, at the SVP Indoor Stadium in Worli. They don’t say whether he would play a full DJ set or a short opening act, or whether the performance would be on the stream.

KRAFTON India’s official BMIC 2026 announcement in July did not mention any artist or opening ceremony. Neither did the team reveals that followed in October. As of publishing, no official BGMI or KRAFTON India Esports channel has named a performer.

Why Alan Walker at BMIC Makes Sense

Alan Walker already has a history with BGMI. In September 2024, KRAFTON India announced its first partnership with the DJ under a “Be A Hero” campaign, and his track “Hero” became the BGMI lobby music starting with the 3.4 update. That deal came right before his Indian tour.

His ties to the PUBG family go back further. Walker’s 2019 collaboration with PUBG Mobile brought “On My Way” and “Faded” into the game, along with cosmetics that are still among the rarest items players own. PUBG Mobile brought the collaboration back in March 2025 for its seventh anniversary.

He also sells out in India. About 160,000 fans attended the India leg of his WalkerWorld Tour in 2024, which Sunburn called the highest-selling international tour in the country across nine cities, including Mumbai. A BGMI crowd overlaps heavily with that audience.

Mumbai is familiar ground too. He opened for Justin Bieber in Navi Mumbai back in 2017, and his 2024 single “Children of the Sun” with Pritam grew out of a meeting with the Bollywood composer during an earlier Mumbai visit.

BMIC 2026: Dates, Venue, Teams and Prize Pool

The tournament details below are confirmed by KRAFTON India. For the full schedule, standings and team pages, see our BMIC 2026 hub with dates, teams and prize pool.

DetailBMIC 2026
DatesOctober 30 to November 1, 2026
VenueThe Dome, SVP Indoor Stadium, NSCI, Worli, Mumbai
Teams16 (6 India, 5 South Korea, 5 Japan)
Format18 matches over 3 days, points carry over
Prize pool₹1 crore
PMGC 2026Champion goes to the Gauntlet, runner-up to the Group Stage
TicketsDistrict app, from ₹499
StreamKRAFTON India Esports on YouTube

All 16 BMIC 2026 Teams

IndiaSouth KoreaJapan
Team SouL (BMSD 2026 champion)DRXValor
Gladiators EsportsDplus KIAREIGNITE
Team 8BitNongshim RedForceVersus
K9 EsportsFOCUSMAKING THE ROAD
Blitz Epigrotive GamingGAME PTKINOTROPE gaming
Team Outrage

We profiled the visitors in our look at the Japanese and Korean teams taking on India’s best.

Can India Stop Korea This Time?

The music would be a bonus. The real story is whether an Indian team can win BMIC on home soil. DRX won the 2025 edition at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi, and India’s True Rippers finished second, according to KRAFTON India’s BMIC 2025 results. DRXHyunbin took MVP.

DRX is back with a changed lineup. We broke down whether DRX can defend its BMIC title, and Team SouL arrives as the BMSD 2026 champion with the most pressure on it of any Indian side. A packed Mumbai crowd, with or without Alan Walker on the decks, is the kind of edge Indian teams didn’t fully have last year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alan Walker performing at BMIC 2026?

Online reports say Alan Walker will open BMIC 2026 on October 30 in Mumbai. KRAFTON India has not confirmed it, and TalkEsport has not verified the claim.

When and where is BMIC 2026?

BMIC 2026 runs from October 30 to November 1, 2026, at the Dome, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium in Worli, Mumbai.

Has Alan Walker worked with BGMI before?

Yes. In September 2024, BGMI partnered with Alan Walker and added his track “Hero” as lobby music from the 3.4 update.

What is the BMIC 2026 prize pool?

The BMIC 2026 prize pool is ₹1 crore. The champion also earns a PMGC 2026 Gauntlet spot, and the runner-up goes to the PMGC Group Stage.

How can I buy BMIC 2026 tickets?

Tickets are sold on the District app, starting at ₹499.

Valorant 13.09 Balance Leaks: What Was Rumored Before Release

Sonu Banerjee
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Valorant 13.09 Balance Leaks: What Was Rumored Before Release

Update (October 27, 2026): Patch 13.09 is now live. The Clove and Warden leaks were correct, but the Initiator nerfs did not ship. See the full Valorant 13.09 patch notes explained here.

With only a few days remaining before the Valorant 13.09 update goes live, the balance notes for the upcoming patch have seemingly leaked on social media forums.

As per prominent Valorant dataminer ‘valohabercisi’ on X, the next Valorant update will see significant nerfs to several Initiators in the game, alongside a buff to Warden. Some major Clove nerfs also appear to be on the horizon.

Here’s everything you need to know about the leaked balance notes for the Valorant 13.09update.

Valorant 13.09 Balance Notes: All Leaks

According to an X post from the aforementioned dataminer, the Valorant 13.09 update will introduce the following balance changes to the shooter:

Agent Changes

Clove

  • The speed boost from Pick-Me-Up (C) has been reduced from 15% to 10%.

Gekko

  • When controlling his Thrash (X), both the minimap and his field of view are limited to 17 metres.

Skye

  • When controlling her Trailblazer (Q), the minimap and her field of view are reduced from 22.5 to 19.1 metres.

Sova

  • The ultimate’s radius is reduced by 6%, from 188 to 176.

Weapon Adjustments

Warden 

  • Vertical recoil has been slightly reduced on the first four shots:
    • 1st shot: 0.6 → 0.45
    • 2nd shot: 1.5 → 0.9
    • 3rd shot: 2.5 → 1.8
    • 4th shot: 3.75 → 3.2

Note that these balance notes are not official, and Riot Games hasn’t made any confirmation on changes to the Agents or the Warden.

At the time of writing, these balance changes are simply leaks, so be sure to take them with a grain of salt.

Valorant 13.09 Release Date

The Valorant 13.09 patch will hit the live servers around October 27, 2026, and it’s expected to introduce the aforementioned leaked changes to the game.

Alongside the balance changes, the Valorant 13.09 update is also likely to add the new Agent Hush to the game’s roster.

Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 Adds Free Witcher 3 Themed Gear: How to Get It

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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Cyberpunk 2077 Update 2.5 Adds Free Witcher 3 Themed Gear: How to Get It

Cyberpunk 2077’s latest update has surprised fans with weapons straight out of The Witcher 3, giving another reason to revisit CD Projekt Red’s popular title. The quiet addition will see the highly futuristic Night City get medieval-themed weapons, therefore blending in two starkly contrasting aesthetics.

All Free Witcher 3 Items in Cyberpunk 2077

In what fans are speculating to be a crossover, the latest update brings a series of weapons that showcase an uncanny resemblance to those from The Witcher series. Given that all the items below were part of a quiet update, the developers have not confirmed any collaborations with The Witcher series at the time of writing.

  • Sihil Sword: A sword that draws heavy inspiration from the Dwarven Swords featured in The Witcher series.
  • Professor’s Spectacles: Glasses that pay homage to the Professor Premethine Shakeslock from The Witcher 3: Hearts of Stone.
  • Ursine Jacket: Clothing that resembles the School of the Bear armour set.
  • Ursine Pants: Significant similarities to the Ursine-inspired outfit.
  • Boar Carver Knife: A knife that commemorates Geralt’s monster-hunting.

Surprisingly, these items are not hidden behind a paywall. Rather, anyone who owns the game can access the weapons from the Medieval Fantasy franchise.

How to Get Free Witcher 3 Gear in Cyberpunk 2077

Given how the Witcher-themed items do not require a purchase to be accessed, game owners can follow the steps below and get their hands on them:

  1. Update Cyberpunk 2077 to its latest version.
  2. Check V’s in-game inbox for a message from Ariadne.
  3. Upon accepting the offer to become a brand ambassador, visit V’s apartment in Watson.
  4. Open the delivery box near the apartment entrance to collect the items.

As bizarre as it sounds, there is no official word on a collaboration from either publishing house. If anything, the new gameplay elements are a free bonus for players who were looking to try something refreshing. The developers bringing such minor yet interesting changes on top of performance improvements speaks to how much this project and its player base mean to them. Not only does it retain players, but it also gives them reasons to keep exploring Night City.

Google Play Arena Announced: Games, Clubs and Registration

Ritambhara Tripathi
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Google Play Arena Announced: Games, Clubs and Registration

Google has officially announced Google Play Arena, an Indian mobile gaming championship developed with NODWIN Gaming. The competition brings MS Dhoni into the tournament through his own club, Mahi Clutchers.

The announcement follows TalkEsport’s October 1 report on Dhoni’s new shoot with Free Fire players, which also revealed a Google gaming connection. At the time, sources had identified Google’s involvement without establishing the company’s precise role. The newly announced championship now provides official context for that earlier reporting, although Google does not explicitly identify its launch campaign as the same production.

Google Play Arena confirms six games and six clubs

According to Google’s announcement, the lineup comprises BGMI, Free Fire MAX, Moba Legends: 5v5!, Real Cricket, Chess through Chess.com, and EA SPORTS FC Mobile. Participating clubs are S8UL, GodLike Esports, Orangutan Gaming, Revenant XSpark, Team Apex Gaming and Mahi Clutchers. Dhoni’s club will recruit entirely through open qualifiers.

The mix gives the event a broader competitive identity than a tournament built around one publisher’s game. Battle royale audiences will share the programme with football, cricket, chess and MOBA players. For viewers, the club structure could also create a reason to follow results outside their usual game, although its appeal will depend on how clearly the competition connects those separate contests.

Registration opened on October 23 for players aged 18 or above through the official Google Play Arena platform. Entry is free, with no pay-to-play mechanics. Online qualifiers will give leading players an opportunity to represent the clubs at a December 2026 Grand Finale. The announcement does not specify a prize pool, venue or exact finale date.

For aspiring competitors, the important question will be how qualification translates into selection. Registration alone should not be read as a guaranteed club place. Players should consult the event’s rules for their chosen title before making plans around the final, particularly where squad composition, availability and selection requirements are concerned.

TalkEsport’s original report named Arshil “Arsh” Ahmed, Sarvesh “Marco” and Ayush “Louis” Jangir as tentative participants in the Dhoni production, associated respectively with Revenant XSpark, GodLike and Team Apex Gaming. The report separated that source information from confirmed company announcements. It also made clear that the shoot did not establish a release date for Free Fire India.

That distinction remains relevant to this follow-up. Dhoni’s association with Garena dates back to the original Free Fire India campaign in 2023, which helps explain why fresh filming attracted attention. Readers following that story should treat the Arena announcement as a development in Google’s competitive gaming plans. Its inclusion of Free Fire MAX does not establish a launch for the separate Free Fire India project.

PMGO 2026 Season 2 Grand Finals – Teams, Dates, Where To Watch & More

Divyesh Moghe
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PMGO 2026 Season 2 Grand Finals – Teams, Dates, Where To Watch & More

The PUBG Mobile Global Open (PMGO) 2026 Season 2 Grand Finals start on October 24 in Lahore, Pakistan. Sixteen teams are left from the original 32, and they’ll fight over two days for a $500,000 prize pool and 150 PMGC points.

It’s Pakistan’s first official global PUBG Mobile esports event. The home crowd won’t have a local team to cheer, though, after 4Thrives went out in the Group Stage.

For the full tournament background, see our PMGO 2026 Season 2 dates, format and venue guide.

PMGO 2026 Season 2 Grand Finals Dates and Schedule

The Grand Finals are a two-day event on October 24 and 25, 2026. Each day has six matches, so 12 in total, plus a possible Match 13 on Sunday.

SportsDunia’s published schedule has the first match starting at 11:00 UTC (4:30 PM IST, 4:00 PM PKT) both days. Matches run roughly 45 minutes apart.

MatchMapUTCISTPKT
1 / 7Rondo11:004:30 PM4:00 PM
2 / 8Erangel11:455:15 PM4:45 PM
3 / 9Erangel12:306:00 PM5:30 PM
4 / 10Erangel13:156:45 PM6:15 PM
5 / 11Miramar14:007:30 PM7:00 PM
6 / 12Miramar14:458:15 PM7:45 PM

All 16 Teams in the PMGO 2026 Season 2 Grand Finals

12 teams qualified straight from the Group Stage, six from each group. The final four came through the Survival Stage.

TeamQualified ViaPoints
S2G EsportsGroup A, 1st60
Bigetron by VitalityGroup A, 2nd59
Horaa EsportsGroup A, 3rd53
INFLUENCE RAGEGroup A, 4th52
OLD NOTGroup A, 5th47
AK Gold EsportsGroup A, 6th42
Wolves EsportsGroup B, 1st64
Vampire EsportsGroup B, 2nd63
ULF EsportsGroup B, 3rd56
The MongolZGroup B, 4th54
Regnum Carya EsportsGroup B, 5th53
BUF EsportsGroup B, 6th48
4K EsportsSurvival Stage, 1st65
Alter Ego AresSurvival Stage–
Alpha7 EsportsSurvival Stage–
Al UlaSurvival Stage–

How the Group Stage and Survival Stage Played Out

Group A opened on Day 1 across Rondo, Erangel and Miramar. 4K Esports took the first Chicken Dinner of the event, but S2G Esports finished top with 60 points without winning a single match.

Bigetron by Vitality ended just one point behind on 59. Horaa Esports, INFLUENCE RAGE, OLD NOT and AK Gold Esports filled the rest of Group A’s direct spots.

Group B on Day 2 was even tighter at the top. Wolves Esports finished with 64 points, one clear of Vampire Esports, while ULF Esports grabbed third with the help of a 20-kill Chicken Dinner in Match 1.

The Survival Stage put the teams that finished 7th to 14th in each group into one 16-team lobby. 4K Esports bounced back to win it with 65 points, and Alter Ego Ares went through with a five-point cushion.

Alpha7 and Al Ula took the last two spots. Pakistani teams 777 Esports and LF Esports went out here, ending local hopes after 4Thrives’ Group Stage exit on home turf.

New Format: Showmatch and Match 13

This PMGO brings in a new way to settle the title, as GamingonPhone’s format breakdown explains. Before Day 2 starts, teams play the first-ever themed showmatch on Midnight Hunters Erangel.

The showmatch winner gets to ban one map option for a new Match 13. That match only happens if no team has already won under the SMASH rule by the end of Match 12.

If Match 13 is needed, the team leading the standings picks between the two remaining maps. PUBG Mobile says the change makes it more likely that the title is decided by a Chicken Dinner.

Prize Pool and PMGC Points

The total prize pool is $500,000, the same as Season 1. The full split hadn’t been announced at the time of writing.

The winner also takes 150 PMGC points, a big step toward a spot at the PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2026 in Istanbul.

Teams to Watch

S2G Esports come in as the team to beat. They won the PUBG Mobile World Cup 2026 in August and then topped Group A here.

Wolves and Vampire scored more than S2G in their group, at 64 and 63 points. Both have the consistency to take this over 12 matches.

Keep an eye on 4K Esports and Alpha7 as well. 4K had the first Chicken Dinner of the event and won the Survival Stage, so they have the momentum going into the weekend.

Where to Watch PMGO 2026 Season 2 Grand Finals

You can watch the Grand Finals live on the official PUBG Mobile Esports YouTube channel. The broadcast will also run on PUBG Mobile Esports’ Facebook, X and TikTok pages.

Regional streams are expected in several languages. Schedules and team rosters are posted on the same official channels.

Why PMGO Keeps Growing

PMGO 2026 Season 1 pulled in 1.2 million registrations from more than 200 countries. It set a Guinness World Record for the largest mobile team-based esports tournament ever.

Season 2 takes that open format to a new host country. Pakistan’s crowd will get a full weekend of top-tier PUBG Mobile, even without a home team in the final 16.

Moscow Game Week Returns With Global Studios and Ranked CS2 Finals

Ritambhara Tripathi
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Moscow Game Week Returns With Global Studios and Ranked CS2 Finals

Moscow International Game Week will return for its second edition from October 29 to November 1, 2026, combining an international games exhibition, industry discussions and the Moscow Cyber Games Counter-Strike 2 LAN finals. Organisers say more than 85 companies will exhibit, with participants from India, Brazil, China, South Korea and Malaysia among those announced.

The official event schedule separates the wider city programme from the main venue activities. City events begin on October 29, while the gaming exhibition and business programme run from October 30 to November 1. The main venue is Moscow Game Hub, identified on the website as the Video Games and Animation Cluster at 40 Bolshoy Boulevard.

International exhibitors and indie games

The announced overseas exhibitors include Brazil’s national stand, Brasilia Game Hub, China’s Chingmu, South Korean companies BURNING SOUL and BEAR&SKUNK, and Malaysia’s Experimental Design Team. India will have a group stand featuring BuzzedMen Studio, AbracaDabra Software Solutions and Nilee Games. Together, the exhibitors cover game development, creative services and technology used in production.

Russian publishers and gaming platforms will also present their work. An indie alley will bring together independent projects, while a separate residents’ alley will feature studios based at Moscow Game Hub. According to the organisers’ announcement, visitors will be able to try games, meet their creators and learn about game and animation development. A themed merchandise marketplace is also planned.

Business programme connects games with other creative industries

This year’s theme, “Beyond the Industry,” focuses on the relationship between games, animation, film and literature. Discussions will examine how creators can develop fictional worlds across different formats and find partners for new projects. The programme is intended for developers, investors and professionals working in related creative fields, alongside the exhibition’s public audience.

The published business tracks cover cultural identity in game design, business development and government support, shared fictional universes, education and AI in animation. Training, internships and practical experience are included in the education strand. The agenda therefore extends from producing individual games to building studios and developing stories that can support several kinds of media.

The Agency of Creative Industries, under the Moscow Department of Culture, is organising the event. It also developed Moscow Game Hub, which the announcement describes as providing infrastructure for project development, production and promotion. Organisers intend Game Week to support international exchanges and introduce visiting companies to studios working at the hub.

Moscow Cyber Games CS2 finals take place on October 31

The esports programme includes the Moscow Cyber Games 2026 LAN finals on October 31 and November 1. HLTV lists the GLuck Moscow Cyber Games event as a ranked competition with four teams in Moscow. Organisers say 956 teams from Europe and Asia entered the open qualifiers, with the concluding matches scheduled at Moscow Game Hub.

The ranked status gives the finals significance beyond the exhibition audience. Results contribute to the Valve Regional Standings used for tournament invitations, making the event relevant to teams seeking to improve their position late in the season. TalkEsport’s October VRS rankings coverage explains the wider invitation race.

The venue will also host a separate Night of Video Games on October 31, running from 9pm until 5am Moscow time. The official schedule lists show matches, smaller tournaments, music and appearances by creators. This overnight event is restricted to adults, with an original passport required for entry.

New Valorant Leak Reveals Big Clove Nerfs Coming in the Next Patch

Sonu Banerjee
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New Valorant Leak Reveals Big Clove Nerfs Coming in the Next Patch

Clove might be receiving some major nerfs in the next Valorant patch, curbing their aggressive potential without compromising on their utility as a Controller.

According to recent leaks from multiple sources, Clove’s Pick-Me-Up and Ultimate ability will be receiving some significant changes in the upcoming update, aiming to reduce their pubstomping potential and balance out their absurdly high win rates across all ranks.

As per several prominent Valorant dataminers on X, Clove will see the following tweaks heading into the next patch:

  • Pick-Me-Up: Movement speed bonus reduced from 15% to 10%.
  • After using Not Dead Yet (X), Clove can no longer gain Ultimate Points from kills for the rest of the round.
  • Enemies who eliminate Clove after their Ultimate revive will now gain an Ultimate Point.

Note that the Clove nerfs have not been officially confirmed yet, and are only early leaks from dataminers.

However, it’s safe to say that these Clove nerfs have been a long time coming. At the time of writing, Clove is the highest-picked Agent in competitive play across all ranks, and that too with an incredibly high win rate.

Should the leaks turn out to be true, it would significantly curb the aggressive Duelist-style gameplay potential of Clove and force them to play more safely while providing smokes and other utility to their team.

It’s still unclear when exactly these nerfs will be shipped to the live servers, or whether they will be shipped at all. The earliest fans can expect to receive these changes is around November 1, 2026, with the game’s next patch.

Alongside the Clove changes, Valorant is also set to receive a brand-new Agent in the near future, although her exact release date also remains unconfirmed as of yet.

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